How to Import Dry Fruits from India - Complete Buyer Guide 2026

Why Import Dry Fruits from India?

India is the undisputed global hub for dry fruits. The numbers speak for themselves:

• Makhana (Fox Nuts): 90% of world production comes from Bihar alone
• Cashews: India is the 2nd largest producer after Vietnam, with W180, W240, W320 grades
• Almonds: India produces the traditional Mamra/Gurbandi varieties and also sources California almonds
• Raisins: Nashik produces green raisins, Sangli produces black raisins
• Walnuts: Kashmir produces premium quality walnuts
• Seeds: Pumpkin seeds (UP), chia seeds (Rajasthan), all from established farming regions

Why international buyers choose India:

1. 1Competitive Pricing - Direct sourcing from farmers and mandis cuts out middlemen. FOB prices are 20-40% lower than buying from Middle Eastern hubs.
2. 2Diverse Product Range - You can buy 20 different dry fruit categories from one country, reducing supplier fragmentation.
3. 3Quality Certifications - APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) registered exporters, FSSAI compliance, phytosanitary certificates.
4. 4Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ) - Flexible MOQs starting from 100 kg for premium products, making it accessible for new importers.
5. 5Years of Export Experience - Indian exporters have been shipping to 50+ countries for decades. Logistics are streamlined.

---

Step-by-Step Import Process

69% OFF

4.8 (312 reviews)

Featured Product

Premium California Almonds 🇺🇸

Premium California almonds - 21g protein, Vitamin E rich, ideal for daily soaking & snacking

₹290₹940/ 200g

Add ₹290 to CartView details

✓ FSSAI certified · Free delivery ₹399+

Importing dry fruits from India involves 8 clear steps. Here is the exact workflow:

Step 1: Find a Reliable Supplier

Where to find exporters:

• APEDA Directory - official directory of registered exporters
• Trade platforms: Global Trade Point, TradeKey, Alibaba (filter for India)
• Direct outreach to mandi associations (Delhi Mandi, Nashik Mandi, Bengaluru Spice Market)
• Google search + LinkedIn (check company registration, APEDA status, years in business)

Red flags to avoid:

• No APEDA registration
• No website or professional communication
• Asking for 100% payment upfront
• No sample provision
• Vague about sourcing and quality standards

Green flags:

• Active APEDA registration (verify on apeda.gov.in)
• Clear communication in English
• Willingness to send samples before order
• ISO certifications (ISO 22000 for food safety)
• References from other international buyers

Step 2: Request Samples and Evaluate

Every first-time import should begin with samples. This costs ₹500-2,000 ($6-25 USD) and saves you from a ₹5 lakh+ wrong shipment.

What to request:

• 500g-1kg sample of the product you want to import
• Laboratory test report (moisture content, aflatoxin, microbial testing)
• Packaging sample (the exact pouch/box you will receive)
• Price quote for your desired quantity

Evaluation criteria:

• Taste & Texture - Is it fresh? Does makhana crunch? Are almonds crispy?
• Moisture Content - Should be 8-10% for most dry fruits. Check if it feels dry or slightly damp.
• Defects - Count broken pieces, discolored items, debris
• Packaging - Is the sample bag properly sealed? Are labels clear?
• Lab Results - Aflatoxin levels should be below 5 ppb (parts per billion), moisture below 12%, microbial counts within limits

Step 3: Negotiate Pricing and Payment Terms

Once you are satisfied with the sample, you move to negotiation.

Typical FOB pricing (ex-India) April 2026:

• Makhana (4-sieve): $8-12 per kg FOB
• Cashew W320: $9-12 per kg FOB
• California Almonds: $8-11 per kg FOB
• Pumpkin Seeds: $4-6 per kg FOB
• Raisins (Nashik green): $3-5 per kg FOB

Payment terms:

• 30% T/T (Telegraphic Transfer) Advance - You pay 30% upfront to secure production
• 70% T/T Against B/L Copy - You pay 70% when the shipment is loaded and B/L (Bill of Lading) is issued
• Do NOT pay 100% upfront without an established relationship
• Use international payment methods: SWIFT transfer, L/C (Letter of Credit), or escrow services

Quantity negotiation:

• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) is typically 500 kg-1 MT
• Larger orders (5+ MT) may get 10-15% volume discounts
• Confirm delivery timeline - usually 2-4 weeks for consolidation + customs clearance

Step 4: Place the Order

Once pricing and terms are agreed, the exporter will send a Pro Forma Invoice - this is a commercial offer, not an invoice.

Pro Forma Invoice details:

• Product description, quantity, price per unit
• Total value in FOB (Free on Board)
• Payment terms (30% advance, 70% on B/L)
• Incoterm (usually FOB or CIF)
• Delivery timeline
• Your company details, destination port

Your action items:

1. 1Review the Pro Forma Invoice
2. 2Confirm payment details (exporter's bank account)
3. 3Make the 30% advance payment via SWIFT transfer
4. 4Send payment proof to the exporter
5. 5Exporter begins production and sourcing

Step 5: Production and Quality Assurance

This phase typically takes 2-4 weeks, depending on:

• Quantity ordered
• Seasonality (makhana season is August-November; cashew season is March-May)
• Current stock availability

What happens during production:

• Exporter sources raw material from farmers/mandis
• Products are sorted, graded, and processed (roasted, dried, sieved)
• Laboratory testing is conducted - aflatoxin, moisture, microbial tests
• Products are packed in cartons/bags with FSSAI labels and export documentation

Quality checkpoints:

• You can request a photo of the packed goods before shipment
• Some exporters offer inspection by a 3rd party (SGS, Bureau Veritas) - costs extra but guarantees quality

Step 6: Shipping and Documentation

This is where international logistics comes in. Your exporter handles most of it, but you need to understand what is happening.

Shipping method options:

Sea Freight (Most Common - 15-25 days)

• Cost: $500-1,500 per 20ft container (FCL = Full Container Load)
• Capacity: 8-10 MT of dry fruits per 20ft container
• Best for: Orders 3+ MT
• Timeline: Delhi → Port (2 days) → Mumbai/Nhava Sheva (loading) → International port (15-25 days)
• Documents: Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, packing list, phytosanitary certificate

Air Cargo (Express - 3-5 days)

• Cost: $4-8 per kg
• Best for: Urgent orders under 500 kg
• Timeline: Delhi → International airport (24 hours) → Destination (3-5 days)
• Documents: Air Waybill (AWB), commercial invoice

Major Ports for Dry Fruits Export:

• Nhava Sheva (Mumbai) - Most busy, largest container traffic
• Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Navi Mumbai) - Specialized in agricultural products
• ICD Tughlakabad (Delhi) - Inland container depot, 8-10 days to Nhava Sheva

Required Shipping Documents:

1. 1Bill of Lading (B/L) - Issued by shipping line, proves shipment details and port of loading
2. 2Commercial Invoice - Standard invoice with exporter details, product description, total value, payment terms
3. 3Packing List - Details of each carton: contents, weight, dimensions
4. 4Phytosanitary Certificate - Issued by APEDA, certifies the product is pest-free and meets import regulations of destination country
5. 5Certificate of Origin - Certifies the product is made in India
6. 6Fumigation Certificate - If applicable, shows the shipment was fumigated for pest control
7. 7Laboratory Test Reports - Aflatoxin, moisture, microbial test results
8. 8FSSAI Compliance Certificate - If shipment is FSSAI approved (varies by country)

Your exporter should send you:

• Digitally signed copy of B/L within 24 hours of shipment
• All shipping documents (you may need these for customs clearance)
• Tracking information and vessel name/voyage number

Step 7: Customs Clearance at Destination

When the shipment arrives at your destination port, you or your customs broker handles clearance.

Typical process:

1. 1Port Notification - Shipping line notifies that the vessel has arrived
2. 2Pay Port Charges - Docking fees, terminal handling charges (~$200-500)
3. 3Declare with Customs - File import declaration with destination country's customs
4. 4Customs Inspection - Officials may inspect 1-5 cartons randomly to verify contents match documents
5. 5Pay Duties & Taxes - Import duty varies by country (10-25% typically), GST/VAT may apply
6. 6Release Shipment - After payment, goods are released from port
7. 7Transport to Warehouse - You arrange final delivery to your warehouse/retail location

Timeline: 3-7 days if all documents are correct; 2-4 weeks if there are issues (missing certifications, customs hold, etc.)

Cost breakdown for a 1 MT shipment (example):

• Freight: $600-1,200
• Port charges: $300-500
• Customs broker: $100-200
• Import duty (15% of CIF value): ~$1,500-2,000
• GST/VAT: 5-20% depending on country
• Total landed cost: ~₹3-4 lakh for 1 MT

Step 8: Quality Check at Warehouse

Once shipment arrives at your warehouse, do an immediate quality check:

First 24 hours:

• Open 2-3 random cartons (not just the top one)
• Check product matches sample you approved
• Verify packaging: labels intact, seals proper, no moisture damage
• Count and inspect for broken pieces, discoloration, debris
• Photograph any discrepancies

If quality issues found:

• Contact exporter with photos within 24-48 hours
• Usually, exporter will offer credit/replacement for next shipment
• Document everything for future reference

---

Key Documents You Need to Import

Your checklist before placing an order:

From Supplier (India):

1. 1IEC Certificate - Importer Export Code issued by DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade), proves exporter is registered
2. 2APEDA Registration - Confirms exporter is authorized to export agricultural products
3. 3FSSAI License - Food Safety and Standards Authority of India license number
4. 4ISO 22000 or HACCP Certification - Food safety management system
5. 5GST Registration - For Indian tax purposes (not critical for you, but good to verify)

From Your End (Destination Country):

1. 1Import License - Varies by country (UAE, USA, UK, Singapore all have different requirements)
2. 2Business Registration - Your company's business license/registration number
3. 3Tax ID - For duty and tax declaration
4. 4Bank Details - For LC (Letter of Credit) if using that payment method

During Shipment (Exporter Provides):

1. 1Commercial Invoice - Detailed pricing and product description
2. 2Packing List - Carton-by-carton breakdown
3. 3Bill of Lading (B/L) - Proof of shipment
4. 4Phytosanitary Certificate - From APEDA, destination country specific
5. 5Certificate of Origin - Proves product is from India
6. 6Lab Test Reports - Aflatoxin, moisture, microbial test results
7. 7Fumigation Certificate (if applicable) - Shows pest control treatment

---

HS Codes for Indian Dry Fruits

You will need HS (Harmonized System) codes for customs declaration. Here are the main ones:

Why HS codes matter: Customs uses these codes to classify your shipment and apply the correct duty rate. Make sure your exporter uses the same HS codes on all documents.

---

Shipping Options: Comparison

25% OFF

4.7 (289 reviews)

Featured Product

Premium W240 Cashews 🇮🇳

W240 jumbo-grade whole cashews - 18g protein, creamy, crunchy & unbroken, perfect for snacking & cooking

₹299₹400/ 200g

Add ₹299 to CartView details

✓ FSSAI certified · Free delivery ₹399+

Pro tip: For your first import, negotiate a CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) quote. Exporter covers shipping; you handle customs at destination. This is the safest for beginners.

---

Quality Checks Before Importing

Do not rely solely on sample approval. Implement a quality assurance process:

Pre-Shipment Inspection:

• Request exporter to send photos of packed goods
• Check batch numbers and production dates match your order
• Verify carton weights are consistent (±2% variance is acceptable)

Lab Testing (Mandatory):

• Moisture Content: 8-10% for makhana, 8-12% for other dry fruits
• Aflatoxin Levels: Must be <5 ppb (parts per billion). High levels can cause serious health issues.
• Microbial Testing: E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria all should be
• Pesticide Residue: If importing to strict markets (Europe, USA)

Cost of testing:

• Sample testing: ₹2,000-5,000 ($25-60) per product
• Full batch testing: ₹5,000-15,000 ($60-180) per product
• Consider this as insurance; it is worth the cost

---

Common Mistakes First-Time Importers Make

The mistake: Directly placing a 5 MT order without tasting the product.

The cost: If quality is bad, you are stuck with ₹3-4 lakhs of unsaleable stock.

The fix: Always order samples (500g-1kg) and evaluate for at least 3-5 days before bulk ordering.

The mistake: Not ensuring exporter has obtained phytosanitary certificate for your destination country.

The result: Shipment gets held at customs, causing 2-4 week delays and fines.

The fix: Before placing order, confirm exporter knows your destination country's phytosanitary requirements. Ask them to confirm it in writing.

The mistake: Ordering from a company claiming to be an exporter, but they do not have a valid IEC.

The result: Shipment is legally blocked; exporter may disappear.

The fix: Verify IEC on DGFT website. Cross-check company name, address.

The mistake: Sending full payment before shipment.

The risk: If exporter is unscrupulous, they pocket the money and delay/never ship.

The safe method: 30% advance (to secure production), 70% against B/L copy.

The mistake: Wanting to import 100 kg makhana; exporter MOQ is 500 kg.

Result: Either you are forced to buy more, or order is rejected.

The fix: Always confirm MOQ in writing before sample request.

The mistake: Placing order expecting 7-day delivery; actual time is 30 days.

Result: Your inventory planning fails; customers waiting.

The fix: Add 15-20 days to exporter's quoted timeline. Account for consolidation, port delays, customs.

The mistake: Attempting to clear customs without necessary import license from your country.

Result: Shipment is seized; ₹ lakh+ loss.

The fix: Before importing, check your country's requirements. Many require import license for food products. Get it before placing order.

---

Why Chau Foods for Your First Import

If you are considering importing from India and want a reliable partner, here is why Chau Foods is an ideal first supplier:

Credentials:

• IEC: CSWPM1284L (verified on DGFT)
• APEDA Registered: All products certified for international export
• FSSAI Licensed: License number visible on all packs
• Years of Export Experience: Shipping to 50+ countries since 2018
• ISO 22000 Certified: Food safety management system

What we offer:

• Flexible MOQ: Start with 100 kg for premium products
• Sample Service: Send samples at no cost within 3-5 days
• Transparent Pricing: FOB quotes with zero hidden costs
• Quality Guarantee: Lab test reports for every batch
• Payment Security: 30% advance, 70% against B/L copy (industry standard)
• Logistics Support: We arrange shipping and guide you through customs documentation

Export Products:

• Makhana (4-sieve, 3-sieve, premium handpicked)
• Cashews (W180, W240, W320)
• California Almonds (raw, blanched, roasted)
• Raisins (Nashik green, Sangli black)
• Pumpkin Seeds (GWS raw)
• Chia Seeds (raw, raw organic)

Next steps:

1. 1Email us at export@chaufoods.com with your product of interest and desired quantity
2. 2We send samples + price quote within 24 hours
3. 3Evaluate sample for 3-5 days
4. 4If satisfied, place order on Pro Forma Invoice
5. 5We handle production, testing, and shipping documentation
6. 6You manage customs clearance at your end

---

Quick Recap: Your First Import Checklist

• [ ] Identify 3 potential exporters via APEDA directory and trade platforms
• [ ] Request samples and evaluate for at least 3 days
• [ ] Verify exporter's IEC and APEDA registration
• [ ] Confirm MOQ, pricing, and payment terms (30/70 split)
• [ ] Check destination country's phytosanitary requirements
• [ ] Get your country's import license (if required)
• [ ] Send 30% advance payment via SWIFT transfer
• [ ] Confirm production timeline and expected shipment date
• [ ] Receive B/L copy and tracking information
• [ ] Arrange customs broker at destination for clearance
• [ ] Receive shipment and conduct quality check within 24 hours
• [ ] Process payment of remaining 70% if satisfied with quality

---

Importing dry fruits from India is straightforward if you follow the process: find supplier → request sample → evaluate → negotiate → pay advance → produce → ship → clear customs → receive.

The biggest mistake is skipping the sample stage. A ₹1,000 sample investment can save you from a ₹5 lakh shipment disaster.

Ready to import? Start with Chau Foods. We handle the complexity so you can focus on selling.